What Drafters Do About this section

Drafters prepare technical drawings and plans. Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings and plans. Workers in production and construction use these plans to build everything from microchips to skyscrapers.

Duties
Drafters typically do the following:

Design and prepare plans for using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software Produce effective product designs by using their understanding of engineering and manufacturing techniques Add structural details to architectural plans from their knowledge of building techniques Prepare multiple versions of designs for review by engineers and architects Specify dimensions, materials, and procedures for new building projects or products Work under the supervision of engineers or architects

Many drafters are referred to as CADD operators. With CADD systems, drafters create and store drawings electronically so that they can be viewed, printed, or programmed directly into automated manufacturing systems. New software systems, such as building information modeling (BIM) and product data management (PDM), are coming into use. Through threedimensional rendering, BIM software allows designers and engineers to see how elements in their projects work together. PDM software helps users track and control data, such as technical specifications, related to projects. Just as BIM is changing the work of architectural drafters as well as engineers and designers, PDM is changing the work of mechanical drafters. These software systems allow drafting and design work to be done at the same time as the work done by other professionals involved in the project. There are several kinds of drafters, and the most common types of drafters are the following: Aeronautical drafters prepare engineering drawings that show detailed plans and specifications used in manufacturing aircraft, missiles, and related parts. Architectural drafters draw architectural and structural features of buildings for new construction projects. These workers may specialize in a type of building, such as residential or commercial. They may also specialize in materials, such as steel, wood, and reinforced concrete. Civil drafters prepare topographical maps used in major construction or civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and flood-control projects. Electrical drafters prepare wiring diagrams that other workers use to install and repair electrical equipment and wiring in powerplants, electrical distribution systems, and buildings.

Electronics drafters produce wiring diagrams, assembly diagrams for circuit boards, and layout drawings used in manufacturing, installing, and repairing electronic devices and components. Mechanical drafters prepare layouts that show details for a wide variety of machinery and mechanical devices. These layouts indicate dimensions, fastening methods, and other requirements needed for assembly. Process piping or pipeline drafters prepare plans used in the layout, construction, and operation of oil and gas fields, refineries, chemical plants, and process piping systems.

Work Environment About this section

Drafters use computer software to do their work. Drafters held about 205,100 jobs in 2010. They work in engineering and drafting service firms, architectural and landscape architectural firms, and various manufacturing industries. The industries employing the largest numbers of drafters in 2010 were as follows: Architectural, engineering, and related services Construction Machinery manufacturing Fabricated metal product manufacturing Transportation equipment manufacturing 50% 7 6 5 5

Like other workers who primarily use computers to do their work, drafters usually work indoors and full time, although overtime is not uncommon.

How to Become a Drafter About this section

Drafters add structural details to architectural plans from their knowledge of building techniques. Drafters usually need some postsecondary education, such as an associates degree, to enter the occupation.

Education
Employers prefer applicants who have completed postsecondary education in drafting, typically an associates degree from a technical institute or community college. Drafters who specialize in architecture may need a higher degree, such as a bachelors degree. To prepare for postsecondary education, high school courses in mathematics, science, computer technology, design, computer graphics, and, where available, drafting, are useful. Technical institutes offer focused technical education in topics such as design fundamentals, sketching, and CADD software. They award certificates or diplomas, and programs vary considerably in length and in the types of courses offered. Many technical institutes also offer associates degree programs. Community colleges offer programs similar to those in technical institutes but typically include more classes in drafting theory and often require general education classes. Courses taken at community colleges are more likely to be accepted for credit at colleges or universities. After completing an associates degree program, graduates may get jobs as drafters or continue their education in a related field at a 4-year college. Most 4-year colleges do not offer training in drafting, but they do offer classes in engineering, architecture, and mathematics that are useful for obtaining a job as a drafter. Technical training in the military also can be applied in civilian drafting jobs. Some additional training may be necessary, depending on the technical area or military specialty.

Important Qualities
Critical-thinking skills. Drafters help the architects and engineers they work for by spotting problems with plans and designs. Detail oriented. Drafters must pay attention to details so that the plans they are helping to build are technically accurate to all detailed specifications. Interpersonal skills. Drafters must work closely with architects, engineers, and other designers to make sure that final plans are accurate. This requires the ability to take advice and constructive criticism, as well as to offer it. Technical skills. Drafters in all specialties must be able to use computer software, such as CADD, and to work with database tools, such as BIM. Time-management skills. Drafters often work under deadlines. They must be able to produce their output according to set schedules and so must plan their time well.

Pay
The median annual wage of drafters was $47,880 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,950, and the top 10 percent earned more than $74,820. The median wages for detailed drafting occupations in May 2010 were as follows:

$53,020 for architectural and civil drafters $48,810 for mechanical drafters $46,430 for electrical and electronics drafters $45,100 for drafters, all other